Menlo Park Heading to the Nationals!

Last year Menlo Park came out on top at the US Nationals. This year they will be back to defend their title! Steve Wilburn is one of the players on the team and he likes their chances.

─ I think they are pretty good. We'll have a strong team again and I'm hoping to be less fat, so that should help! Steve Wilburn tells us.

He has a lot of good memories from last year's U.S. Nationals. Not least the number of teams competing and the feeling that floorball is gaining momentum in the states.

─ I've played for a long time in Fresno where we have all learned the game from nothing which takes a long time and has included some pretty lopsided losses in tournaments! It was a joy to play on a Menlo Park team with such talented and experienced players. Having a team to pass, defend, and ultimately celebrate with meant a lot.

The main point that keeps coming back is the number of teams participating in the nationals, although still in the early stages of the sign up process there are high hopes for at least as many teams for this year's tournament. One team that has been making some noise are the past champions the Manhattan Kings who claim they will get the title back.

─ Of course they are! I'm glad that they are coming with the fire and we hope to be a good match for them again, says Steve Wilburn.

But what makes the nationals such a great event?
─ The US is big and it's hard to see everyone. We get caught in a recurring cycle of California teams out here. I love that the Nationals brings everyone together on a larger stage.

Steve Wilburn recently realized that although he is getting older he isn't old yet and as long as he has a great time playing floorball he will be coming back for more. Floorball is growing in the states in general but how is it doing in California?
─ We're doing well out here but it takes continual effort to bring in new players. If anyone reading this works at a school in California or wants to move here, let us know!

Back to the nationals. What brings you guys back to defend the title?
─ Why not? Let's see if anyone can take us this time, Steve Wilburn concludes with a smile.

Does your team have what it takes to participate in the US Nationals in September? Read more and sign up here.

You can read more about Menlo Park Floorball here.